Rarely will any weight loss surgeries have the same level of proven track record as that of gastric bypass surgery. Patients who suffered from morbid obesity, type 2 diabetes and even reflux, the gastric bypass before and after transformation often represents a complete reset- not just of weight, but of health, energy, medication dependency and quality of life. With over 10 years of experience in performing the operation for patients in Dallas, Arlington, Richardson, and Texarkana, we know that this surgery offers more than just effective results. In this blog, you can read about the process involved in the gastric bypass surgery, the kind of results you can achieve from it, how it works compared to gastric sleeve and the first-hand experience of a BodEvolve patient as shown in our video.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Clayton Frenzel, MD- Triple Board-Certified Bariatric and Cosmetic Surgeon, Dual Fellowship-Trained, 15+ Years of Surgical Experience
Gastric Bypass Surgery
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, or simply gastric bypass, involves changing the shape of both the stomach and the small intestine in order to help the patient lose considerable amounts of weight. During the surgery, the stomach is separated into a small upper pouch resembling the volume of a one-ounce egg. Simultaneously, the small intestine is reorganized into a Y-shaped formation in order to bypass both the remaining part of the stomach and a certain section of the small intestine. Gastric bypass before and after stomach, shows the change from a stomach which could hold up to 32 ounces of food to only one ounce.
The combination of restricting the stomach and bypassing certain sections of the intestines allows gastric bypass to be considered one of the most potent forms of metabolic surgery. Among other things, the procedure allows addressing such issues as type 2 diabetes, GERD, high blood pressure, as well as obstructive sleep apnea in a matter of days or even weeks after surgery. Before and after transformations of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass also reveal that with proper nutritional counselling, the procedure results in losing 60 to 80 percent of excess body weight in 12 to 24 months.
Gastric bypass surgery is usually recommended for adults who have a body mass index of 40 or higher or a body mass index of 35 or higher when they also have health problems related to being overweight. You can learn more about our bypass surgery program or schedule a consultation for gastric bypass in Dallas.
Gastric Bypass Before After Timeline: What to Expect
Every patient is different but the results of gastric bypass surgery before and after tend to follow a similar pattern in the first year. Here is what our patients and medical research typically show.
Gastric Bypass Before After 1 Month
One month after bypass surgery patients usually start to notice physical changes. Most patients lose 15 to 25 pounds during the four weeks mainly because they are on a strict liquid and pureed food diet to help them heal. Patients usually have energy during the first two weeks but it starts to come back. Many patients also see improvements in their blood sugar control and some can even stop taking diabetes medication days after surgery. This is a common effect of the Roux-en-Y bypass.
Gastric Bypass Before After 3 Months
By three months after bypass surgery most patients have lost 30 to 50 pounds and gone down two to three clothing sizes. Their faces start to look different the pain in their joints from being overweight starts to go and most patients can start exercising again. Patients usually see improvements in their blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels during this time. Many can stop taking medication for these conditions.
Gastric Bypass Before After 6 Months
At six months patients usually reach 50 to 65 percent of their weight loss goal. They have their energy back sleep apnea symptoms often go away completely. They can do daily activities that used to be hard. Like climbing stairs taking long walks or playing with kids. Most patients feel like they have changed a lot both physically and emotionally by this point.
Gastric Bypass Before After 1 Year and Beyond
By one to two years most patients have lost 60 to 80 percent of their weight and some lose even more. Studies that follow patients over time show that they can keep off than 60 percent of their excess weight for 10 to 20 years if they eat well take vitamins and follow up with their doctor. This is when the results of bypass surgery start to stabilize and become the new normal.
Real Gastric Bypass Testimonial: Stacies Story
Watching videos of gastric bypass surgery before and after can be very helpful in understanding what this surgery can do. Because losing weight is one part of the change. Below one of our patients Stacie shares her story of gastric bypass surgery. What made her decide to have it what the recovery was like and how her life has changed since. You can watch Stacies video below.
Stories like Stacies are why many patients from North Texas choose BodEvolve Bariatric Surgery Center for their weight loss journey.
Gastric Bypass and After Skin: Will I Have Loose Skin?
One of the common questions we get is about how gastric bypass surgery will affect the skin. Since gastric bypass surgery usually leads to significant weight loss. Often 80 to 120 pounds or more. Some patients may have loose skin especially if they have been overweight for a long time. How the skin looks after gastric bypass surgery depends on a things:
1. How old the patient is when they have surgery. Younger skin is more elastic and can snap back better
2. How weight the patient loses. Patients who lose more than 100 pounds are more likely to have loose skin
3. How long the patient has been overweight. Skin that has been stretched out for decades may not bounce back well
4. Genetics, how water the patient drinks and how strong their muscles are. These all affect how the skin looks
For patients who are bothered by loose skin there are procedures like tummy tucks, arm lifts, thigh lifts and breast lifts that can help. Since Dr. Frenzel is trained in both cosmetic surgery patients at BodEvolve can get all the care they need from weight loss to body contouring from one team.
Before and After Gastric Bypass vs Sleeve: Which Is Right for You?
One of the common questions we get is about the difference between gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgery. Both are options but the right one for you depends on your health and your goals.
You should consider bypass if you:
A. Have severe type 2 diabetes. Gastric bypass can help control it in over 80 percent of patients
B. Have acid reflux
C. Have a body mass index over 50 and want to lose as much weight as possible
D. Need to control your blood sugar levels quickly
You should consider gastric sleeve if you:
1. Have a body mass index between 35 and 50 and do nothave severe acid reflux
2. Prefer an invasive procedure that does not involve rerouting your intestines
3. Do not want to have to take a lot of vitamins for the rest of your life
Gastric bypass surgery usually leads to 60 to 80 percent of weight loss while gastric sleeve surgery leads to 60 to 70 percent. However gastric bypass is more effective for metabolic problems. You can learn more about our sleeve surgery option or about our duodenal switch and SADI-S procedures for severe obesity cases. If surgery is not right for you yet our medical weight management program can help.
Mens Gastric Bypass Before and After vs. Gastric Bypass Before and After Female
Both men and women can get results from gastric bypass surgery but the results can be a little different. Men usually lose weight faster at first because they have muscle mass and a higher metabolism. Women may lose weight a bit slowly but they can still get great results in the long run. Men often wait longer than women to have weight loss surgery. The results can be just as life-changing. And the sooner they have surgery the sooner they can start to feel better.
Gastric Bypass Revision and After: When a Second Surgery Is Needed
Some patients who had bariatric surgery a long time ago may not lose enough weight or they may gain weight back or they may have health problems like acid reflux or ulcers. If this happens gastric bypass revision surgery can be an option. The results can be great if the right revision strategy is chosen. This might involve making the stomach pouch smaller redoing the bypass or switching to a procedure like SADI-S or duodenal switch. If you had surgery somewhere else and are not happy with the results you can learn more about our revision surgery program.
Expert Gastric Bypass Care Across North Texas
BodEvolve Bariatric Surgery Center offers bypass and other bariatric procedures at four locations in Texas:
A) Dallas
B) Arlington
C) Richardson
D) Texarkana
Our surgical team led by Dr. Clayton Frenzel and Dr. Brian Holt has decades of experience is accredited by the ASMBS Center of Excellence and has a track record of helping patients achieve life-changing results.
Ready to Start Your Gastric Bypass Before and After Story?
If Stacies transformation inspires you the next step is to schedule a consultation. Dr. Frenzel or Dr. Holt will review your history, body mass index and weight loss goals and recommend the bariatric procedure that is most likely to give you lasting life-changing results.
Schedule your consultation with BodEvolve Bariatric Surgery Center today. Take the first step, towards your own transformation.
FAQs
How weight will I lose after gastric bypass surgery?
Most patients lose 60 to 80 percent of their weight within one to two years after gastric bypass surgery. For example if a patient has 100 pounds of weight they can expect to lose 60 to 80 pounds within two years. Studies show that patients can keep off than 60 percent of their excess weight for 10 to 20 years if they eat well and follow up with their doctor.
Will I have skin after gastric bypass surgery?
Some patients may have skin after losing a lot of weight especially if they lose more than 100 pounds. Things like age how long they have been overweight and how elastic their skin is can affect how loose skin they have. We offer body contouring procedures at BodEvolve for patients who want to address skin.
What is the difference between bypass and gastric sleeve surgery?
Gastric bypass surgery involves rerouting the intestine, which can lead to more weight loss and better control of metabolic problems. Gastric sleeve surgery is less invasive. Preserves the digestive tract making it a better option for patients who do not have severe acid reflux. Gastric bypass usually leads to 60 to 80 percent of weight loss while gastric sleeve leads to 60 to 70 percent.
How long does it take to recover from bypass surgery?
Most patients stay in the hospital for one to two days can go back to activity within two weeks and can go back to full activity within four to six weeks. It takes eight weeks for the stomach and intestines to heal completely.
Can I get a gastric bypass revision if my first surgery didn't give me the results I wanted?
Yes. Revision options include pouch revision, conversion to SADI-S surgery or duodenal switch surgery, and other strategies depending on the underlying cause of inadequate weight loss or weight regain.
Is gastric bypass safe?
When performed by a surgeon at an accredited center gastric bypass surgery is considered as safe as gallbladder surgery with major complication rates under 1 percent.
